What can we expect from Nevills?

[mattu12]

Assuming he is 100% healthy, will he qualify for NCAAs and, if so, what are the prospects for points?

Here are the rankings of Big 10 285s:

Coon (Michigan) #2
Snyder (OSU) #3
Stoll (Iowa) #6
Kroells (Minn) #8
Smith (Rutgers) #10
Peck (Maryland) #23
Jensen (Nebraska) #25
Black (Illinois) #26
Horwath (Wisconsin) #50
Kral (Purdue) #59
Jennings (NW) #110
Goldman (Indiana) #140
Renfroe (MSU) #207

Last year at Southern Scuffle, Nevills beat Dejournette (App State) #7 and Shaw (Cleveland State) #13. If his form is anywhere close to last year's Scuffle form (big if), top 8 seems to be well in reach. How many Big 285s will get automatic bids?

For additional perspective, Nevills was a 3X California state champ. Others who accomplished that are Morgan MacIntosh, Isaiah Martinez, and Zahid and Anthony Valencia. Nahshon Garrett was a 2X champ.

 

[James P. Whitters III]

I don't think there is any question about a fully conditioned, top form Nevills being able to compete with any heavyweight out there. I don't think you will get to see that guy this year. I believe you will see a guy healthy enough and conditioned enough but simply not yet in top form. I'm saying 5-6 in BIG and round of 12 at nationals. I do expect him to be right in the title conversation each of the next three years.

 

[RoarLions1]

We simply don't know. It's not just being "healthy". These guys are conditioned to peak in March, and their wrestling skills are honed by time on the mat. Nick has neither.

 

[Wrestler2u]

We simply don't know. It's not just being "healthy". These guys are conditioned to peak in March, and their wrestling skills are honed by time on the mat. Nick has neither.

You are much closer to this than I am but are you sure that Nick will not be conditioned and skilled as he needs by March? I know sitting out most of two years is not ideal but I have to believe he will be in wrestling shape in 5 weeks. Besides live wrestling in practice he has time to get 4-5 live competition matches.

 

[PSUAllTheWay]

You are much closer to this than I am but are you sure that Nick will not be conditioned and skilled as he needs by March? I know sitting out most of two years is not ideal but I have to believe he will be in wrestling shape in 5 weeks. Besides live wrestling in practice he has time to get 4-5 live competition matches.

I think the point is that the rest of the HWTs have been working to peak in March whereas Nick will be basically at a Nov/Dec experience/training level come March. Not saying he can't be successful, just that there is definitely value in the matches and training that every other wrestlers has had while he was recovering.

 

[RoarLions1]

We simply don't know. It's not just being "healthy". These guys are conditioned to peak in March, and their wrestling skills are honed by time on the mat. Nick has neither.

You are much closer to this than I am but are you sure that Nick will not be conditioned and skilled as he needs by March? I know sitting out most of two years is not ideal but I have to believe he will be in wrestling shape in 5 weeks. Besides live wrestling in practice he has time to get 4-5 live competition matches.

I honestly don't know, but the odds are against him being close to the same wrestler he'd be if he wasn't injured. Nick only recently started drilling, which isn't live wrestling, and his more recent "live wrestling" isn't the same as wrestling under the lights. Saying he'd be conditioned and skilled, as if he didn't miss almost 4 months of the season, just isn't realistic...even though he may get a couple matches in, with 4 weeks to prepare. He's a smart kid with a great attitude, let's hope this works out.

 

[CholleyVandine]

My prediction is he ends up with Sam Stoll in the first round of the B1G tourney, and both the HR and BWI boards burst into flames.

 

[minnhawkeye]

Just my thoughts on this.
Why even have him wrestle this year? Get the medical cause and then you will have 4 FULL years for him. If he goes now only get 3 and a few matches this year.
Way Zain, Nolf, Nickal and Nico are wrestling you will get enough bonous points matches I don't see how or why you really need him this year. Just my 2 cents and Know I'm just learning how this wrestling stuff goes down.

 

[dms87]

Just my thoughts on this.
Why even have him wrestle this year? Get the medical cause and then you will have 4 FULL years for him. If he goes now only get 3 and a few matches this year.
Way Zain, Nolf, Nickal and Nico are wrestling you will get enough bonous points matches I don't see how or why you really need him this year. Just my 2 cents and Know I'm just learning how this wrestling stuff goes down.

I have thought the same thing, it seems risky but if you are a 3x state champ, a top recruit, that has yet to officially wear the singlet for your college team it may be to hard to use logic. Nick has to be so tired of waiting and excited about contributing to this team right now. He was the other N in the "big three" redshirt freshman and although I am sure he is loving what Nolf and Bo are doing, as competitive as you hear this team and room are, if he is cleared (which Cael said he was) I understand him wanting to go for it. Being 20 and considering not wrestling this year and waiting until next November to compete must seem like an eternity.

Cael said he had to use some "old man tricks" to hang (or something like that) when rolling around with Nick, seems like enough of an endorsement for me.

You want to blow the roof off the BJC, walk him out vs Snyder...

 

[1stplacehawk]

My prediction is he ends up with Sam Stoll in the first round of the B1G tourney, and both the HR and BWI boards burst into flames.

That is my nightmare. We'd have about 5 locked threads regardless of the winner

 

[Lion-around]

Just my thoughts on this.
Why even have him wrestle this year? Get the medical cause and then you will have 4 FULL years for him. If he goes now only get 3 and a few matches this year.
Way Zain, Nolf, Nickal and Nico are wrestling you will get enough bonous points matches I don't see how or why you really need him this year. Just my 2 cents and Know I'm just learning how this wrestling stuff goes down.

I have thought the same thing, it seems risky but if you are a 3x state champ, a top recruit, that has yet to officially wear the singlet for your college team it may be to hard to use logic. Nick has to be so tired of waiting and excited about contributing to this team right now. He was the other N in the "big three" redshirt freshman and although I am sure he is loving what Nolf and Bo are doing, as competitive as you hear this team and room are, if he is cleared (which Cael said he was) I understand him wanting to go for it. Being 20 and considering not wrestling this year and waiting until next November to compete must seem like an eternity.

Cael said he had to use some "old man tricks" to hang (or something like that) when rolling around with Nick, seems like enough of an endorsement for me.

You want to blow the roof off the BJC, walk him out vs Snyder...

FWIW - on a recent podcast, both Willie and Vais felt that if Nick was 100% healthy, he should wrestle. Not saying I agree, but they had very interesting comments on this.

 

[jschrantz]

FWIW - on a recent podcast, both Willie and Vais felt that if Nick was 100% healthy, he should wrestle. Not saying I agree, but they had very interesting comments on this.

Agreed, We have no idea if Nevills potential pts at NCAAs could decide the team title. Nick wants to help his team I guarantee you. It's a family in that room, even if he is sacrificing a complete year of eligibility.

 

[CholleyVandine]

That is my nightmare. We'd have about 5 locked threads regardless of the winner

They'd have to be locked before the young men even stepped on the mat ...

 

[jrod9]

I don't if it would factor into this decision at all, but assuming Seth follows AJ and Nick to PSU, wouldn't a sixth year mean Seth sits for a year?

 

[PSU_Gator]

Is it possible to have him wrestle a few matches and make a determination if he is ready or not for the post season? Would he still be able to apply for medical hardship if he wrestled the next three matches and determined he was unable to go?

 

[RoarLions1]

Is it possible to have him wrestle a few matches and make a determination if he is ready or not for the post season? Would he still be able to apply for medical hardship if he wrestled the next three matches and determined he was unable to go?

Nope, one match in a Blue-and-White singlet is worth an entire competition year this late in the season.

 

[PSU Mike]

That is my nightmare. We'd have about 5 locked threads regardless of the winner

I'll take the over, on each board.

 

[TheButcher2]

Even if he wrestles this year, Nick has three more years of eligibility. The youngest Nevills is a sophmore in high school. If he opts to become a Nittany lion, he could redshirt and then take over the heavyweight sport after Nick graduates. Interesting math and assumption.

 

[NittanyChris]

I think we can expect more than Hawks fans can expect from Grothus.

If he gets ANY points at HWT, I really love our chances for title. If HWT is a great big goose egg, we may still win it all, but it would be VERY close.

 

[CholleyVandine]

I think we can expect more than Hawks fans can expect from Grothus.

If he gets ANY points at HWT, I really love our chances for title. If HWT is a great big goose egg, we may still win it all, but it would be VERY close.

That's the sound of NittanyChris working the flint and steel to try to ignite the Stoll/Nevills message board fire with a gratuitous Brody Grothus reference ...

 

[BOSCO2]

I think everyone assumes that he can wrestle for 4 years after this year with the NCAA giving him a 6th year of eligibility. I wouldn't assume that he'd be given that 6th year.

 

[NittanyChris]

LOL! Gratuitous Grothus reference? Have you seen the Grothus thread on HR?!?! Now that is gratuitous!

 

[CSauertiegPSU]

If Nick's healthy, I expect him to go. He's really close with Nolf/Nickal and I imagine one of their goals is to be 4-time team champs together. And I imagine he'll want to finish up his career with them and just in time for Seth to take his slot after a RS year

 

[manatree]

Just my thoughts on this.
Why even have him wrestle this year? Get the medical cause and then you will have 4 FULL years for him. If he goes now only get 3 and a few matches this year.
Way Zain, Nolf, Nickal and Nico are wrestling you will get enough bonous points matches I don't see how or why you really need him this year. Just my 2 cents and Know I'm just learning how this wrestling stuff goes down.

Here's a reason for him to wrestle this year: MONEY

Estimated cost of attending PSU for out of state students: $47,548

How much of a scholarship is he getting? Let's go with 1/3.

Attending PSU for five years already puts his bill at $158,575. Six years adds an additional $31,715 for a total of $190,290.

Granted, I do not know his family financial situation so it could be moot. However, with an older brother attending Stanford (around $44,000/yr in state), a younger brother set to come to Penn State ($47,548/yr) and another brother that seems to be on track to attend college, money could very well be a factor.

I think we tend to forget that these kids aren't on full rides. Redshirting isn't just a developmental decision, it's also a financial decision.

 

[Gray52]

I thought I read that he is on record saying 60%.

One thing to consider is the fact that Nick has had two significant injuries in his first two years. Who's to say he'll be healthy for the next 3-4 years? If he wrestles now and has a significant injury any of the next three years, he gets his MedRS anyway. If he doesn't wrestle this year, and gets hurt again over the next four, then the gamble didnt pay off. My feeling is, if he's healthy, wrestle. Take a shot at a team title. If he were a senior, I might see it differently.

 

[Brian LB-U]

Minnehawkeye, Gray52 and Manatree (and others) put forth compelling reasons directly above. Cael (or "Carl" as some of your brethren prefer) even spoke to Gray52's point on last weeks Coaches Show. Paraphrased Cliff Notes for those that didn't tune in: "There are no guarantees in this sport. If he's good to go now, it makes sense that he goes."

I would add, not everybody aspires to be on the "Mr. Blutarsky" (6 year) college plan.

 

[jrd23psu]

How many of the opposing fans in this thread who are advocating Cael holding NN out this year have chastised him for holding Zain, Nolf, and Bo out last year?

 

[LemonPie]

I'd be kind of disappointed if he couldn't beat Stoll

 

[GOLDBANGER]

I think everyone assumes that he can wrestle for 4 years after this year with the NCAA giving him a 6th year of eligibility. I wouldn't assume that he'd be given that 6th year.

Agreed Bosco...the 6th year medical is definitely not assured. If he can go, then let's rock!!

 

[PSUAllTheWay]

A wise coach once told me you never jeopardize the current season for the possibilities of the future. If Nevills is healthy, ready, and committed, he might make the difference this year at Nationals. Cael should let him roll!

 

[dicemen99]

I'd be kind of disappointed if he couldn't beat Stoll

I think Nevills is exactly the type of wrestler that Stoll will have issues with - eventually. But with the layoff and not being 100% on short preparation, Stoll will be a tall order. Stoll has adapted very well to the new rules and is a tough kid to beat if he doesn't give up early points. If he loses to him this year and beat's his as* next year, I've got no problem with that. I still don't think we need any points from him this year even though they would be welcomed.

 

[nitlion6]

Nope, one match in a Blue-and-White singlet is worth an entire competition year this late in the season.

Roar,
I am sure you already know this, but for others. Any offical competition by Nick at this point puts this season down as a season competed. Whether he wears a blue and white singlet or purple and red one.

 

[nitlion6]

I have heard Cael make the argument that if healthy there is no reason not to expect Nick's conditioning to be up to speed by the B1G tournament.
I believe after all possible discussion the choice as to whether or not Nick suits up should be made by Nick and his family. I also am pretty certain that is what Cael and staff are doing.
I also now believe Nick is going to wrestle this year.

 

[James P. Whitters III]

I'd be kind of disappointed if he couldn't beat Stoll

I would have agreed with this line of thinking coming into the season, but Stoll has improved a great deal from last year and is advanced beyond his years in match management. He has been a very pleasant surprise at this point. I knew he would be very good at some point, but the young man can flat out wrestle. I expect to NN to be a complete handful for everyone, but you have to think all of the lost training time coupled with the very little competition opportunities will set him back this year. The battles between these 2 will figure largely into the team race between the programs the next several years.

 

[zwick99]

Just my thoughts on this.
Why even have him wrestle this year? Get the medical cause and then you will have 4 FULL years for him. If he goes now only get 3 and a few matches this year.
Way Zain, Nolf, Nickal and Nico are wrestling you will get enough bonous points matches I don't see how or why you really need him this year. Just my 2 cents and Know I'm just learning how this wrestling stuff goes down.

We need him to win a NC. Wrestle him this year.

 

[pish69]

I'm gonna put this out there...just my gut feeling with no bases for it..

If PSU only up by 3 or 4 tonight, you see Nevellis

 

[clucas]

I just don't see that happening regardless of the situation. I do think next week it will happen.

 

[pish69]

If I'm in Nevells shoes and I'm 100% cleared to wrestle, my parents are on board and I can help the team secure the dual, I'm going out to make one helluva debut.

Think about it, thousands of fans, could secure win for team, reigning world champion, everything to gain and nothing to lose!! I'm pumped.

That being said, if he is not 100% medically cleared, that's a different story

 

[RoarLions1]

Keep your eye on the prize. While fun, this dual is not the prize.

 

[TangSoo]

I'd be shocked to see him wrestle tonight. And Cael doesn't seem much in to gamesmanship, but the place would go nuts if he walked out with Jan for the handshake with Snyder.